Ikbal (title)


Ikbal was the title given to the imperial consort of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who came below the rank of Kadın. The Sultans usually had three, four and six Ikbals, and four, five Gözdes with the title of Ikbal. The Ikbals were the women singled out as favorite companions of the Sultan who were in line for promotion to the rank of Kadın, on the death or divorce of one of the latter. The Ikbals sometime became the mothers of the Sultans children and after their death their children were given to Kadıns to raise.. Hanimefendi is equivalent to the favorite. This title was mainly given to the secondary consorts of the Sultans. The Ottoman dynasty had three titles for imperial ladies. Valide Sultan, the queen, Kadinefendi, the princess and Hanimefendi the favorite.

Ranks and styles

İkbâls

The İkbâls of Sultans were ranked and styled as:
The Gözdes of Sultans and consorts of the şehzades were ranked and styled as:
Imperial consorts who were traditionally addressed as Hanımefendi include: